Newry Hockey Notes 12 November 2017

NICS won the toss giving Newry passback. From the whistle Newry put the NICS ladies under pressure with great passing from the mids and forwards and within a couple of minutes Newry were awarded their first penalty corner but was well saved by the NICS keeper. Newry maintained possession and with great defending from centre back Abbie and sweeper Laura the ball was driven down the left hand side to Rachael in mid who passed the ball to forward Shannen who passed the ball across the circle to Stephanie at the right post deflectingthe ball into the net.

Newry continued to squeeze NICS and with some great passes from the mids to the forwards line, Newry were awarded their 2nd goal with 1 minute to half time where the ball was yet again passed across the circle by Shannen to Stephanie on the right post making the score 2 nil to Newry at halftime.

Newry came out strong at the beginning of the second half and with great marking by the defense NICS had little opportunities of entering the Newry circle. Newry's left back Victoria made a lovely pass down the left hand side to left winger Shannen who drove the ball into NICS circle taking it on her strong side and putting the ball past the keeper, awarding Newry their 3rd goal.

It wasn't long before Newry were awarded a penalty corner where Kathryn at the left post deflected the ball into the net. Newry were able to keep possession of the ball and within minutes later Newry were awarded yet another penalty corner where Kathryn yet again deflected the ball into the net at the left post putting Newry 5 nil up.

NICS were soon to break but were unable to finish as the circle was well covered by the Newry keeper. With 5 minutes until full time, right mid Kathryn scored a cracker of a goal taking the ball around 2 NICS players before entering the circle and putting the ball into the roof of the net, awarding Kathryn with a hattrick.

The final score was 6 nil to Newry. Player of the match was awarded to Kathryn who scored the fabulous last goal of the match for Newry.

Newry hosted Instonians on Saturday in their latest Premier League fixture.

The league favourites were pushed back by Newry early on as the home side started well and forced a number of short corners but were unable to convert. Instonians managed to win a short corner of their own and when Greer stopped it on the line but deflected onto his foot, a penalty stroke was awarded. Lindsay Beck in goal for Newry made himself big and denied Instonians the lead with a great save.

Both sides tried to find the first goal but at the half way mark it was 0-0.

Instonians started well in the second half and again forced a few short corners. Greer again took one of the line to keep the score level. Newry managed to create a few opportunities but as in recent weeks, they could just not find the decisive touch in the final third. With 10 minutes remaining Instonians fires Home a short took take a 1-0 lead, and as Newry pushed forward looking for the equaliser, they were caught on the break the away side doubled their lead to take all three points.